NEDAS Live! Where Wireline and Wireless Meet

In the latest episode of NEDAS Live!, host, and founder and CEO of iMiller Public Relations, Ilissa Miller welcomes Tod Higginbotham, COO of ZincFive and an expert in energy storage solutions and the former CEO of Powergenics. Episode #58 dives into the critical role that innovative battery technologies play in powering digital infrastructure today and in the future. Tod's extensive background in the energy storage, semiconductor, and solar markets brings invaluable insights into the conversation. His expertise sheds light on the transformative impact of advanced battery solutions, especially within the context of digital infrastructure. Throughout the discussion, Tod emphasizes the importance of battery technology in ensuring that data centers, communication networks, and cloud services remain sustainable, resilient, and efficient.

In this episode of NEDAS Live! podcast, you'll join host Ilissa Miller as she sits down with Joel Ogren, CEO and founder of Assured Communications, for a fascinating look at how communications infrastructure has evolved over his 40+ year career. You'll discover how the telecommunications landscape has transformed since Joel founded his company more than twelve years ago, learn why resilient networks are increasingly crucial as businesses depend more heavily on data and cloud services, and hear Joel's insights on how AI is revolutionizing network management. This conversation offers you a unique perspective from an industry veteran on the past, present, and future challenges of building the digital infrastructure that powers our global economy.

Tune in for a conversation with Jonathan Hjembo, Senior Manager of Infrastructure Research at TeleGeography. The discussion explores the critical challenges and opportunities in the communications infrastructure ecosystem, particularly focusing on the unprecedented growth driven by AI deployment needs in 2024-2025. Jonathan explains TeleGeography's role in tracking global network development and discusses the ongoing power crisis affecting major data center markets worldwide, from Singapore to Northern Virginia.

In this episode you'll discover insights about the upcoming PTC conference in Honolulu, Hawaii - often called the "Davos of digital infrastructure." The discussion explores how the conference brings together over 30 industry categories, from data centers and subsea cables to satellite and mobile networks, fostering crucial conversations about the future of global telecommunications. Listeners will learn about the growing importance of mobile infrastructure, cybersecurity challenges, and regulatory developments in the digital infrastructure ecosystem. 

This episode of NEDAS Live! features a conversation with Doug Recker, President of Duos Edge AI. Host Ilissa Miller and Doug discuss edge data centers and how these compact facilities are changing connectivity in underserved communities. Doug shares his journey from traditional data centers to edge solutions, highlighting the impact of edge pods on education, healthcare, and rural development. The discussion covers edge data centers, their role in bridging the digital divide, and how they're enabling AI in unexpected places. Tune in to learn about the future of digital infrastructure and how edge solutions are changing access to technology in schools, businesses, and communities across America.

This episode features a conversation about AI with Phil Shih, Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, an independent research firm specializing in internet infrastructure. Phil shares insights from his 13 years of experience running his own research company, discussing both the challenges and rewards he has encountered along the way. He elaborates on Structure Research's niche focus areas, which include data centers, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. Additionally, Phil explains how the firm dispenses valuable market analysis and projections to industry executives, investors, and vendors through both subscription-based services and the annual infra/STRUCTURE summit, which marks its fifth year in 2024.

Tune in for another episode of NEDAS Live! as we are joined by David Bronston, Special Counsel and Co-Lead of the Telecommunications Practice at Phillips Lytle. David brings his vast experience to the discussion, shedding light on the evolving telecommunications landscape and the challenges faced by the industry. From the impact of the 1996 Telecommunications Act to the controversies surrounding net neutrality, David provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory environment. The conversation also delves into the transformative Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which allocates $42 billion to states for broadband infrastructure development. David explains the requirements for companies to access these funds and shares his predictions on the potential winners and losers in the digital race.

 Tune in for another episode, as we are joined by John Wilson, CFO of Sabey Data Centers. John discusses Sabey's unique position in the data center industry, focusing on their commitment to providing affordable, renewable power and reliable service. He also highlights Sabey's sustainability efforts, flexible solutions through their in-house construction arm, and the importance of maintaining long-lasting customer partnerships while navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

Tune in for a conversation with Bill Thompson, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at DC BLOX, a vertically integrated digital infrastructure provider specializing in the Southeast U.S. Bill shares his fascinating career journey, from his early days at AT&T commercializing the internet to his current role at DC BLOX. The conversation delves into DC BLOX's evolution from a traditional data center operator to a company offering a wide range of services, including cable landing stations, dark fiber networks, and high-capacity compute infrastructure. Bill also discusses the importance of relationships in the industry, the company's ability to innovate and adapt to rapidly changing technologies, and how DC BLOX is positioned to support the growing demand for AI, machine learning, and other high-density applications in the Southeast.

Tune in for a conversation with John Bonczek, Chief Revenue Officer of fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547), as he takes a deep dive into the world of interconnection and its pivotal role in shaping the digital infrastructure landscape. John shares his wealth of experience, tracing the evolution of interconnection from the early days of Telex to the current challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI and the surging demand for data center capacity. The discussion explores the necessity of retrofitting existing facilities, the complexities of building out for scalability, and the vital importance of interconnection in facilitating the seamless movement of content from gigawatt-scale facilities to the edge.

This episode features an interview with Bob DeSantis, CEO of 365 Data Centers. Bob shares his extensive background in the communications, technology and energy industries, and discusses how 365 Data Centers has evolved since he joined in 2017. The company has grown from 8 data centers to 20 fully interconnected facilities, and expanded its services to include a national fiber network, cloud regions, and managed services. Bob also shares his thoughts on the impact of AI on the data center industry, the importance of network connectivity, and 365's aggressive plans to gain market share in 2024. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the trends shaping the digital infrastructure landscape.

Justin Matney, Director of Resource Integration at Quantum Loophole, joins the program to discuss his role steering the company's decarbonization and sustainability initiatives. With degrees in physics and freshwater science research, Matney brings his lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors to develop the master-planned, 2,100 acre Quantum Frederick data center campus to be the world's first carbon-negative industrial site. Justin also discusses projects underway like the 600-acre nature reserve for new forests, stream restoration, trails, and more to buffer and improve the local environment.

This episode features a conversation with Brian Duffner, VP of Connectivity Solutions at fiber network provider Aureon, as he discusses his organization's connectivity and IT services offerings across Iowa. He also shares details about Aureon's 4,500 mile fiber network, differentiation selling to Iowa enterprises, and the importance of robust connectivity & security for businesses today. Discover how Aureon is assisting companies lacking IT resources, and preparing for future bandwidth demands.

Tune in for a conversation with Mike Underdown, President & CEO of Crosstown Fiber, a Chicago-based dark fiber network operator focused on providing state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the growing needs of hyperscale data centers, cloud, AI, and machine learning applications. Mike discusses the genesis of Crosstown Fiber, the challenges of building fiber infrastructure in a major city like Chicago, and the unprecedented demand for capacity driven by AI. He also shares his perspective on where communications technology may head next, with quantum computing as a potential disrupter on the horizon.

This recap episode of 2023 provides insights into the evolution of the data center industry, the rapid growth of data center development in the Nordics, the importance of education in technology, and the need for public understanding of data centers. This program features discussions on the shift in the industry towards specific platform requirements for applications, the significant development of data centers in the Nordics driven by environmental and energy considerations, the impact of education on technological interest, and the necessity of public education about data centers. The content touches on various aspects of the global digital infrastructure industry and its implications for technology, education, and society.

This week's program is a special edition, brought to you by our friends at Center Maryland with industry disruptor, Quantum Loophole, the first master-planned data center community reshaping the way site selection and giga-watt scale data centers are brought to market. Richard Paul-Hus joins Center Maryland's The Lobby to discuss the Quantum Loophole data project in Maryland. In 2021, Quantum Loophole acquired over 2,100 acres of land in Frederick County, Maryland to develop a first-of-its kind master-plan data center community. Richard Paul-Hus is the Senior Vice President of Quantum Loophole. Learn more about the Quantum Loophole project here. Building Data Centers – And Maryland's Future: https://centermaryland.org/blog/building-data-centers-and-marylands-future/  Subscribe to Center Maryland's Daily Newsletter, The Morning Rundown, here.

This episode features a conversation with Craig Huffman, Co-Founder and CEO of Metro Edge Development Partners, a real estate developer creating an exclusive data center for the Illinois Medical District in downtown Chicago. Craig discusses the data center industry's responsibility to educate communities, the economic opportunities data centers provide, and debunks myths about data centers and jobs. He also reveals how his background positioned him to lead this pioneering development as likely the only African-American spearheading such a data center project in the country.

This episode features a conversation with Bob VanDelinder, VP of Sales for Empire Access about the evolution of internet and communications technology over the past 25 years. Bob shares his experience working for Empire Access, a 100+ year old internet service provider, during the transition from dial-up to DSL to fiber optic broadband. He discusses how customer needs and internet applications have changed dramatically, requiring faster speeds and more bandwidth, and how Empire Access has adapted to provide the "fastest internet in the Northeast." He also talks about Empire Access's recent expansion into new markets in upstate New York and Pennsylvania, bringing high-speed fiber internet to towns and cities for the first time.

This episode features a conversation with Steve Scott, a veteran executive with over 20 years of experience across data centers, connectivity, and subsea infrastructure.  Steve discusses the evolution of the industry, from the early dotcom boom days when data centers were just real estate plays, to the new focus on power, efficiency, and renewables. He also shares insights on major trends like the explosion of AI, shifts in global subsea cable connectivity, and the challenges around sustainable power solutions for massive hyper-scale data centers.

This episode features a conversation with Steve Smith, Chief Revenue Officer of LiveOak Fiber. Steve reveals how LiveOak Fiber started from a PowerPoint and Excel sheet and has become a game-changer with 84 employees, nearly a thousand customers, and offices in two states. Learn how strategic market selection, local talent engagement, and community-driven growth have shaped Live Oak Fiber's journey. 

This episode features a conversation with Joe Reele, Vice President of Solution Architects at Schneider Electric. Joe discusses the evolution of AI, its historical roots, and why it's gaining momentum now. Discover the innovative ways data centers are adapting to the demands of AI applications and the ethical and societal implications of this technological revolution. 

This episode features a conversation with Carrie Goetz, author of the book "Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers: Featuring Careers for Women, Trades, and Veterans in Tech and Data Centers." To learn more about Carrie and to get the book, visit: https://carriegoetz.com/ 

Nabeel Mahmood, Co-founder and CEO of the Nomad Futurist Foundation, joins the program to share his personal journey and to discuss how the Foundation helps to unravel the mysteries of the digital infrastructure industry and ignite a passion for it among the youth.

Carol Browne, Director of Infrastructure Business Development for Tampnet, joins the program to provide an overview of her organization, including how they support the oil and gas industry. Discover how Tampnet has become a global leader in providing high capacity, low latency, and reliable connectivity to mobile rigs, and vessels. Carol also reveals the unique capabilities that Tampnet offers companies that are looking for stronger connectivity in the Nordics.   

This episode features a conversation with Jeremy Pease, the new CEO of ColoHouse. Jeremy discusses his career journey and reveals details about the refresh and relaunch of the ColoHouse brand. He also shares his mission and vision for the organization and the number of customers that they currently serve.           

This episode features a conversation with Rob Williams, VP of Product Marketing at FirstLight. Headquartered in Albany, New York, FirstLight provides fiber-optic data, internet, data center, cloud, unified communications, and managed services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Discover the top 3 problems that FirstLight is solving for their customers and FirstLight's approach to the convergence problem. 

This episode features a conversation with executives from MOX and Telescent as they provide an overview of their respective organizations and reveal how MOX deploys the Telescent Network Topology Manager to remotely automate their customer's fiber connectivity between data center locations. 

Tune in for a conversation between Ilissa Miller and Afonso Salema, CEO of Start Campus. Afonso is leading the organization building one of the largest data center campuses in Europe, Sines 4.0.

This episode features a conversation with Bruce Lancaster, President and CEO of Wilson Electronics. Discover how Wilson Electronics has evolved and innovated to overcome supply chain challenges and the impact that of the COVID-19 pandemic on market growth.       

This episode features a conversation with Michael Morey, President and CEO of Bluebird Network as he discusses the definition of a super regional carrier, the history of the industry and the evolution of technological developments.     

This episode features a conversation with Vijai Karthigesu, Founder and CEO of Swarmio Media, as he discusses enhancing network performance for gamers.   

Bernard Borghei, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Operations at Vertical Bridge, joins the program to discuss industry growth and how his organization became the world's first carbon- neutral tower company. He also discusses the ways in which Vertical Bridge gives back to the communities where they live and their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Matthew Trifiro. CMO at Vapor IO joins the program to provide an overview of his organization and shares his perspective on the how the edge has evolved since the inception of Vapor I0. You'll also hear details about Vapor IO's INZONE program, which delivers end-to-end Industry 4.0 solutions with the Kinetic Grid platform and partner solutions.

 Jim Fagan, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer for Global Cloud Xchange (GCX), joins the program to discuss current trends, differences in emerging markets and the impact of the demand for increased bandwidth. Discover the challenges and opportunities when it comes to subsea cable, and how GCX is helping to provide diversity and resiliency for customers. 

A conversation with NEDAS President, Ilissa Miller and Don van Splunteren, a 20+ year Telecom Business Executive. Tune-in to hear about the dichotomy of the pandemic on digital communications infrastructure, the infrastructure shifts in motion and required, the evolution of xG wireless networks and how the shift to 5G is based on re-architecting our communications infrastructure setting the stage for future innovation.

Carrie Charles, CEO of Broadstaff LLC, joins the program to discuss the hiring and recruiting trends that they are seeing over the past year and in 2021. She reveals the types of jobs that are most in-demand, what candidates are looking for in a potential job, and how employers can attract top talent.  To learn more about Broadstaff, visit: https://broadstaffglobal.com/ 

Tune in for a special podcast interview as Steve Yapsuga interviews business transformation leaders Andrew Freedman, Dr. Kent Wesinger, and Carrie Charles.

This episode features an interview with Andrea Freedman, EMBA.  Andrew is the Managing Partner of SHIFT,  Business Transformation Expert and the #1 Amazon Best-Selling author of THRIVE: The Leader's Guide to Building a High Performance Culture.  THRIVE provides leaders with a clear blueprint for building a high-performance culture. Drawing on extensive experience in change management, organizational development, and performance consulting, Andrew shared a systematic approach in a way that enables leaders to take immediate action to shift workforce engagement and performance.  

This episode features an interview with Dr. Kent Wessinger, Founder, create2elevate Research Lab, as he reveals the thinking behind his conclusion that Millennials will be the greatest generation in organizational history. He also shares tips for recruiting, hiring and retaining Millennial talent.  To learn more visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNI1Y22oZfU

This episode features an interview with Hugh Carspecken from  DartPoints, Martin Hannigan from Deep Edge, and Tim Parker from Flexential, as they discuss the role of data centers in converged infrastructure. 

This episode features an interview with Dave O'Callaghan from Vation Ventures, as well as Paul Fettuccia and Franco Fettuccia from ANS Advanced Network Services. 

Ray LaChance, co-Founder & CEO of ZenFi Networks, joins the program to discuss challenging the network design status quo and the horizontal tower model. 

Andy Penley, Vice President of Wireless Solutions at ZenFi Networks, and Ezra Hug, Executive Director of Wireless Solutions at ZenFi Networks,  join the program to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for edge deployment. They dispel some myths about 5G, and reveal the importance of improving network infrastructure to meet the needs of communities. Discover how ZenFi Networks has adapted during the COVID-19 disruption, and the changes that are still needed to meet future network demands.  

As ExteNet Systems’ VP of Inside Plant, Jeff Robator oversees the lit network including DWDM, Lit Wave, Ethernet, Private Network, Cloud and IP connectivity with both metro and national lit and metro enterprise dark fiber service solutions available. In this episode, Jeff shares his thoughts on industry trends and changes, and how the COVID-19 pandemic is altering the way that his organization does business. Discover the network challenges and opportunities that commercial real estate owners are facing.              

Nicole Miller, Sr. Managing Director at Savills, joins the program to discuss the response to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the challenges and opportunities that are arising from the move to virtual meetings and increased digital communication. Nicole also shares her thoughts about how companies can best support their teams during this time. 

This episode features an interview with John McGrath, CEO of Advantage Engineers. Mr. McGrath has held senior positions in large national and international engineering and consulting firms. For the past 25 years, he has been involved with the deployment of wireless communications facilities and fiber optic and networks, and has managed the design and construction of thousands of wireless communications facilities throughout the United States. John discusses the transition that his company has made during the COVID-19 crisis, and some of the industry trends that he see emerging due to the current disruption. 

Wade Sarver, author, consultant, and solution architect, joins the program to share his perspective on smart cities, 5G, and smart poles. He reveals the challenges and trends that are driving the distribution of infrastructure investment, and shares potential monetization strategies. Wade also discusses the charities that he supports and why they are important to him. 

This episode features an interview with Guy Jouannelle. Guy currently provides consulting services to the District of Columbia’s Office of Unified Communications (OUC) managing several programs including the public safety in-building radio coverage program. Guy shares lessons and takeaways he's learned from his experiences leading the implementation and operations of the first wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. 

James Patrignelli, Director of Northeast Sales at Liquid Technology, joins the program to discuss the work that his company does in the field of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and shares tips for properly transferring data as well as disposing of hardware. James reveals feedback from their customer survey about future buying trends, and also discusses the connection between IT Asset Disposition and overall corporate sustainability efforts. Discover what organizations should consider when selecting an ITAD provider and how to maximize the ROI of older equipment. 

Jonathan Adelstein, President & CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association and former Commissioner of the FCC, joins the program to discuss the impact of the current legislative environment on the industry, and the progress that still needs to be made. He also reveals the efforts that are underway to meet the technology workforce needs of the future. Discover the need to simplify the regulatory process, and how local municipalities can be part of the solution.

Leticia Latino van-Splunteren, CEO of Neptuno USA and member of the Wireless Infrastructure Association/Smart City Council National Task Forces, joins the program to discuss the evolution of the smart city movement. Leticia shares the unique history of Neptuno USA, and reveals the infrastructure investments that will be necessary to make smart cities a reality. She also shares her thoughts about gender equality in the industry, and the people that she looks to as mentors.